Okay, so I’m applying for a bunch of scholarships this year, and most of them require letters of recommendation. I’m a senior in high school, and frankly, I’m kind of overwhelmed. I know who I probably should ask – Mrs. Davis (AP English), Mr. Johnson (my basketball coach), and maybe Ms. Rodriguez (my volunteer coordinator at the animal shelter) – but I don’t really know how to approach them.
Specifically, I’m worried about a few things:
- How far in advance should I ask? I don’t want to be too late, but also don’t want to ask so early they forget.
- What information should I give them? Just the scholarship names and deadlines? Do they need my resume? My transcripts?
- What if they say no? It would be mortifying! How do I handle that gracefully?
- Do I need to write them a thank you note afterward? Like, a physical, mailed one?
I’m mostly applying for merit-based and need-based scholarships, some for specific universities and others are general national scholarships. Any advice on making this process as smooth as possible would be great! I want to make a good impression and get the best possible letters.
Answer
To secure strong letters of recommendation for scholarship applications, a strategic and proactive approach is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Identify Potential Recommenders:
- Relevance is Key: Prioritize individuals who know you well and can speak specifically to your strengths, skills, experiences, and character as they relate to the scholarship criteria. This might include teachers, professors, mentors, coaches, employers, supervisors of volunteer work, or advisors.
- Consider the Scholarship’s Focus: Think about which recommender’s perspective would be most compelling for the particular scholarship. A STEM scholarship benefits from a recommendation from a science professor, while a leadership scholarship gains from a supervisor at a community organization.
- Academic Performance: Especially for academic scholarships, professors or teachers who have witnessed your intellectual abilities, critical thinking skills, and engagement in class discussions are excellent choices.
- Skills and Traits: Identify individuals who can attest to your soft skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership, backing up claims with concrete examples.
- Avoid Generic Choices: Steer clear of family members or close friends, as their opinions may be perceived as biased. Also, high-profile figures who don’t know you personally are unlikely to provide a meaningful recommendation.
- Diversity of Perspectives: Where possible and the scholarship guidelines allow, try to obtain recommendations from people who can speak to different aspects of your personality and abilities.
2. Research Scholarship Requirements:
- Number of Recommendations: Many scholarships specify the number of letters required. Adhere strictly to this requirement.
- Specific Prompts or Questions: Some scholarships provide specific prompts or questions that recommenders must address in their letters. Share these prompts clearly with your recommenders.
- Submission Method: Understand whether the letters need to be submitted online, mailed physically, or sent directly by the recommender to the scholarship organization. Note deadlines and provide your recommenders with clear instructions and any necessary forms or links.
- Letter Length or Format: Check if there are any guidelines regarding the length or format of the letters.
3. Make the Request:
- Request in Advance: Ask for recommendations at least 4-8 weeks before the application deadline. This provides ample time for recommenders to write thoughtful and detailed letters.
- Personalize Your Request: Communicate with each recommender individually, whether in person, via email, or phone. Avoid sending generic mass emails.
- Explain Your Purpose: Clearly state that you are applying for a scholarship and briefly explain why you think they would be a suitable recommender. For instance, "I am applying for the [Scholarship Name], which recognizes students with a strong commitment to community service. I believe you could speak to my dedication as a volunteer at [Organization Name]."
- Provide Context: Briefly describe the scholarship, its criteria, and why you are a good fit. This helps the recommender understand what aspects of your qualifications to emphasize.
- Offer Supporting Materials: Provide your recommender with the following materials to help them write a strong letter:
- Resume or CV: This provides an overview of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, work experience, and skills.
- Transcript (Unofficial is often acceptable): This gives the recommender insight into your academic performance.
- Personal Essay or Statement of Purpose: If you have written one for the scholarship application, share it. It reveals your personality, goals, and aspirations.
- Scholarship Description and Criteria: This ensures they understand the scholarship’s focus and requirements.
- A Summary of Key Accomplishments and Experiences: Highlight specific instances where you demonstrated the qualities or skills the scholarship seeks. For example, describe a time you led a project, overcame a challenge, or demonstrated creativity.
- Draft of your application (if available): If you’ve started your application, share a draft so they know exactly what is being asked of you.
- Make it Easy for Them: Offer to provide them with any additional information they might need.
4. Follow Up and Express Gratitude:
- Gentle Reminder: A week or two before the deadline, send a polite reminder to your recommenders, reiterating the deadline and offering to answer any questions.
- Send a Thank-You Note: Regardless of whether you receive the scholarship, send a sincere thank-you note to each recommender. Express your appreciation for their time and effort. A handwritten note is particularly thoughtful.
- Update Them on the Outcome: After the scholarship decisions are announced, inform your recommenders of the results. They will appreciate knowing the outcome of their efforts.
Additional Tips:
- Waive Your Right to Access: On the recommendation form, there is often a section asking if you want to waive your right to access the letter of recommendation. It is generally advisable to waive this right. Recommenders are often more candid and honest when they know their letters will be kept confidential.
- Be Respectful of Their Time: Understand that recommenders are busy individuals. Be considerate of their schedules and deadlines.
- Maintain Positive Relationships: Nurture your relationships with potential recommenders throughout your academic career. Engage in class, participate in activities, and seek their guidance when appropriate.
By following these steps, you can significantly increase your chances of obtaining compelling letters of recommendation that will strengthen your scholarship applications.
